National Ag Day Expands Celebration for 40th Anniversary

National Ag Day Expands Celebration for 40th Anniversary

Two Days of High-Profile Events Set for Washington, D.C. on March 18 & 19.

In response to growing attention on the global availability of food, and in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of National Agriculture Day, March 19, 2013, the Agriculture Council of America has announced a full two-day lineup of high-profile events in the nation’s Capitol.

“This is undoubtedly the most important Ag Day program in our history,” said Jenny Pickett, President, Agriculture Council of America. “Our goal is to ensure the eyes of the nation are on the contributions American agriculture makes not just here in the United States, but also around the world. That’s the message we’re taking to the Hill, and the message that will be carried through communities across America.”

2013 events include:

March 18, 2013
• Farm to Fork Politics: An insider’s look at the year ahead for food and agriculture—A panel discussion moderated by Sara Wyant of Agri-Pulse and featuring J.B. Penn, Chief Economist, John Deere; Dr. Keith Collins, former Chief Economist, USDA; and B. Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President of the Research and Information Services Division, National Restaurant Association. Hart Senate Office Building Room 902, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• Agri-Pulse Reception follows in the same room. No charge to attend reception.

• Celebration of Ag Dinner—This event will feature the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, and honor the winners of the Ag Day essay, video essay and poster contests. USDA Whitten Patio, 5:00 p.m. TICKETS: $150 PER PERSON, OR $1,500 FOR A RESERVED TABLE OF 10

Complete details and registration information can be found at www.agday.org.

National Ag Day is made possible by a number of partnering organizations and sponsors. 2013 Partners include John Deere, Successful Farming, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Farm Progress, AgHub, CHS, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc., National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council. A complete listing can be found at www.agday.org.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America and celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

Founded in 1973, National Ag Day encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.